Ordering Yarn from Yanagiya 日本柳屋網購毛線

自從訂閱樂天柳屋的newsletter後，常常三不五時會去逛逛，也想過跟他網購毛線，用我那三腳貓程度的日文，搜索了半天的結論是：柳屋不寄國外！幸好溫妮好心告知，說她在大陸也可以收到柳屋的包裹，嗯，那就來試試看囉！趁著這次為了Joey八月群編的功課 - 是的，你沒看錯，是"八"月...這次為了找線超晚交功課的啦！在美國細線除了羊毛和一些真絲線外，其他材質的細線選擇真的不多，尤其要適合夏天款式的，又不想要單色的，真的是沒幾種可挑。想說來訂原織圖建議的線，成功率應該會大大提高吧？

I have always wanted to order yarns from Yanagiya ever since I started subscribing to their newsletters. After rummaging through the website with my very limited Japanese, my conclusion was that they don't ship to outside of Japan. Big thanks to a fellow blogger 溫妮 for letting me know that she was able to order and receive packages from Yanagiya in China. And so, I thought I would give it a try. This time I was ordering yarn for one of Joey's Crochet-Along projects from August. Yes, it was not a typo, "August"... I am so late this time because I just couldn't find the right yarn for the project. It needs a sports or fingering weight yarn. Since it is a summer top, I ruled out wool and alpacas. I didn't want to use pure cotton, and I also wanted a variegated color... The choices are so limited. I also thought by using the pattern's suggested yarn, I should have a better chance at succeeding with this project.

這次買線的過程算是成功！除了第一次訂時不知為什麼一直出現"System Error"，不知道是網路有問題還是怎樣，想說隔兩天再來試試看，後來就沒問題了。這次訂的線本來沒存貨的，樂天柳屋有寫信來通知說已經向廠商訂貨，等進貨後就可以寄出。所以又等了兩個禮拜才收到寄件通知，e-mail是星期二收到的，星期六郵差來按門鈴時我還沒想到，開門一看到包裹時真是好開心呀！居然這麼快就到了！這比有些國內包裹效率還要好呢！這次郵資是1260日圓(800公克)，我覺得還可以接受啦！

The purchase process, well, I consider it a success. I had problems the first time I tried to order, kept getting the "system error" message. I am not sure why, my guess is I was probably trying to order during their system maintenance window? Anyway. I did not get those messages when I tried to order again. The yarns I ordered were actually out of stock. They sent me an e-mail to let me know that they have ordered more from the manufacturer and would ship once the stock was received. And so I waited for another two weeks before the shipping notice came. I got the notice e-mail on Tuesday, and the package arrived at my door on Saturday. I did not expect it to be so fast, I was so happy! :D I ended up paying 1260 yens for shipping (800 grams), I think it is acceptable.

這次買的線，還附送一本織圖
My yarn purchase, and the free pattern booklet that came in the package


每一顆線都用塑膠袋分別包裝(好"剛忽"喔...)我買的是Beneluce，另外那個是幫人買的，就不拆來照相了。
Each ball of yarn was individually wrapped in plastic. I bought the "Beneluce", the other yarn was for someone else and thus I did not unwrap it for the photo shoot.


附送的織圖有些真的很不錯呢，像這次Rich More 99封面，封底那兩件美衣都在這裡面，可惜我書早就買了...
Some of the projects in the free pattern booklet are really nice, such as the cover tunic and the back cover top from the Rich More 99 issue. Too bad I already bought the book...


上次有格友想知道如何向柳屋訂購，以下就是購物步驟(我的日文不好，大多是靠漢字來猜意思，整個過程中我都有用Babel Fish來翻譯 - 日翻英，翻譯出來的句子通常都不順，可是意思可以看的懂就好啦！有沒有人知道那個翻譯器更好用呢？)：
People has asked me how to order from Yanagia, and I promised to share. The following is my order process (my Japanese is very poor, most of the time I guessed based on the Chinese characters, and I used Babel Fish for translating into English throughout the entire process. The translation for the most part was not very good, but as long as I could figure out the meanings, I could continue.)

決定好要買的線，選定色號和數量後，放入購物車：
Once you decide on the yarn, select the color code and quantity, click to add to shopping cart:


購物車內容，如已選購完畢，按鍵開始結帳程序：
The content of the shopping cart. If finished shopping, click the button to continue check-out:


會員登入帳號及密碼 (我沒加入會員)：
Member login user ID and password (I did not join the membership):


填寫個人資料：
Enter personal information - name, address, and such:


選擇付款方式：
Select payment method:


包裹寄送要點 - 這裡我用Babel Fish翻譯出來的直接copy進去，要求用最便宜的國際運費率 (不知道翻譯出來的句子對不對哩？他們也沒再回信來問就是了...)：
Special instructions for shipping - I directly copied Babel Fish's translation into this area, asking for the lowest shipping rate (I don't know if the translation makes sense, I did not get any questions from them though...)
"Please use the cheapest rate for international shipping. (国際海運のために最も安い率を使用しなさい。) Thanks. (ありがとう)"



最後確認一下購物明細和所有資料，按鍵便完成訂購啦！
Confirm the purchase content and all information, click to complete order.


這是我訂購的過程，因為有格友想知道，所以登出來與大家分享，如果你也有一些購物心得，歡迎分享喔！
This is my order process. Because some of you asked to know, here I am sharing it with you. If you have other tips or similar experiences, I would love to hear about them!

Rusted Root

線材: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% 棉, 20% 美麗諾羊毛), 色號#225 橘粉紅 - 2.6 綑 (215yd [197m] / 100g)
圖樣: Zephyr Style
針號: 美制4號 3.5mm 輪針(領口，袖口，下擺鬆緊編)，美制6號 4.0mm 輪針(衣身)
尺寸: S號，胸圍 84 cm/33 英吋, 長 51 cm/20 英吋
製作日期: 2008/09/10 - 2008/09/18

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% cotton, 20% merino wool), color #225 Coral Sunset - 2.6 skeins (215yd [197m] / 100g)
Pattern: Zephyr Style
Needles: Addi Turbo US size 4 (3.5mm) / 24" (60cm) & 32" (80cm) for ribbing along the neckline, sleeves, and bottom hem, Addi Turbo US size 6 (4.0mm) / 24" (60cm) for body
Size: Size S, chest circumference 33"(84cm), length 20"(51cm)
Duration: 2008/09/10 - 2008/09/18

這件Rusted Root在美國網路上很多人都織過了，光Ravelry裡面就有765個成品，也難怪它受歡迎，這件織法簡單又快，實穿性高，從領口往下織，延著拉克蘭袖線加針，前片的葉子蕾絲是設計重點之一，讓人不至於因為平面編而覺得無聊，整件衣服採直筒輪編的方法，只有腋下"可能"需要縫合，超適合像我這種懶人或想嘗試從上往下織的新手的啦！

Rusted Root has been so popular in the blog world, there are 765 FO's in Ravelry alone. It has a simple construction and knits up fast. It is worked from top down in circular fashion. The increases are done along the raglan sleeve lines. The leaf lace panel just keeps it interesting amid the boring stockinette stitches. The only sewing required is at the underarm. This is a great project for a lazy bum like me or for someone who wants to try knitting from top down in circulars.



編織過程其實很順利，只有在第三天時因為太專心看CSI，在葉子蕾絲右側記號圈前加了一針，它是應該延著拉克蘭袖線記號圈處加針，蕾絲兩側也放記號圈，但只是用來標示蕾絲，啊我顧看電視碰到記號圈也沒看清楚就給它加針...又過了好幾段才發現...如果這一針是加在不顯眼的地方我可能就這樣算了，偏偏這一針是在胸口超明顯的地方...唉，只好拆了，當天的進度全部再見。不過自此之後，雖然還是邊看電視邊織，就沒再出錯了。

The knitting went pretty smoothly for this one, except on the third day. I was watching CSI, and somehow added one stitch to the right of the leaf lace panel. All the increases are supposed to be along the raglan sleeve lines where stitch markers were placed. There are also two stitch markers for the leaf lace panel to mark the beginning and the end. I was really into what was on TV and didn't look to see which stitch marker I was at, I did a M1 before the lace panel marker... And I did not realize it until several rounds later... If this mistake was at some inconspicuous places like the side seams, I would probably just let it go. But it was right on the chest, very noticeable. So, I frogged it, one day worth of progress for me. But after that, I did not make another mistake although I still knit with the TV on.

很喜歡它小包袖的設計
Love the small puffy sleeves



這件大部分都是按照織法來做，只改了下列幾個小地方：

• 腰身減針的地方，按照原織法應該是要減5次，我不想要太緊，只減了4次。
• 腰身兩側的減針它都是用k2tog，我覺得如果右側用k2tog，左側用ssk會比較好看。
• 腰身減針後原設計是直筒式織到下擺，不再加針，我怕這樣會太ㄅㄟ，覺得需要點空間來容納我的小肚肚，在減針後約6公分(2.5英吋)的地方開始做加針加了三次。
• 袖子部分 - 我在腋下多挑了三針，這樣洞比較小一點，藏線頭時把洞再拉小縫緊一點就好了。

I followed the pattern for the most part, with the following modifications:

• Waist shaping - For size S, the decreases are supposed to be 5 times. I thought that it might be too tight for me, and only did 4 times.
• For the waist shaping decreases, the pattern uses k2tog for both sides. I think it may look better if the right side uses k2tog, the left uses ssk.
• After the waist shaping, the original pattern has straight knitting to the hem. Again, I felt I needed a little bit more room for the tummy area, so I did 3 rounds of increases at about 2.5 inches (6cm) from the last decrease.
• Sleeves - I picked up 3 stitches at the underarm when joining to knit. The hole at the underarm would be a bit smaller and could be easily sewn when I weaved in the ends.

這組線也是買了很久了，堆在衣櫥裡大概有一年多了吧？沒辦法，想織的東西太多了，兩隻手實在是不夠用啊！

This is also one of the projects that sat in my stash for a long time, probably more than a year or maybe even a year and half. What's one to do? I have got only two hands, but so so many projects to do!

Purple Crochet Bolero Vest 紫紅半圓鉤針背心

線材: Crystal Palace Panda Silk (52% 竹纖維, 43% 美麗諾, 5% 絲), 色號#3006 紫紅 - 4 球 (204yd [188m] / 50g)
圖樣: 涼やかなかぎ針あみ―上質のレース糸で編む (ISBN: 978-4529045421)
針號: 可樂 4/0 2.5 mm 鉤針
尺寸: 胸圍 90 cm，長 54 cm (緣邊有4cm)
製作日期: 2008/08/19 - 2008/09/08

Yarn: Crystal Palace Panda Silk (52% bamboo, 43% superwash merino wool, 5% combed silk), color #3006 Berry Smoothie - 4 balls (204yd [188m] / 50g)
Pattern: Japanese pattern book 涼やかなかぎ針あみ―上質のレース糸で編む (ISBN: 978-4529045421)
Hooks: Clover 4/0 2.5 mm crochet hook
Size: Chest circumference 35 1/2", length 21 1/4" (including lace edge 1 1/2")
Duration: 2008/08/19 - 2008/09/08



從上禮拜到現在一直都很忙，忙到居然沒有時間把這件po上來，其實早早就定型好收起來，連照片也照好了，就是沒辦法坐下來好好寫心得。大兒子Connor發燒三天沒去學校，我在家整天陪著，雖然很多時候只是陪他玩玩具看電視，沒做什麼，可是我也走不開去做自己的事，有經驗的媽媽們一定了解，生病中的小孩特別黏人。不能用電腦上網，可是坐在旁邊偶爾織個幾排還是可以的，所以我的Rusted Root這幾天進度增加迅速，現在已經躺在定型板上啦！

I have been so busy since last week that I could not find time to blog about this vest. It was already taken off the blocking board and put away. I even took the FO photos but didn't have time to upload them. My older son Connor had a fever and couldn't go to school for 3 days. I stayed with him all day, most of the time just playing and watching TV. Even though I didn't do much, but any moms would know, kids are especially clingy when they are not feeling well. I could not really get away to sit in front of a computer. But I did manage to sneak in a few rounds of Rusted Root every now and then. And so my progress on Rusted Root has been really good. It is now drying on the blocking board!



這件其實本來不在我的清單中，是姐姐提到想織件衣服送給在台北的表妹，感謝她幾次幫我們跑腿買東西再寄來美國，實在感恩哪！因為她自己最近也很忙，還要再織一件送給她在台北的好友，而且這幾次買的東西裡有不少是我的，所以就自告奮勇來完成這件禮物啦！

This bolero vest was not in my queue. My sister mentioned that she wanted to make something for our cousin in Taipei, to thank her for all the troubles she went through to buy some stuffs for us and then ship to the US. Since she has been really busy and also has another project in her queue for her best friend, I volunteered to make this gift for our cousin since many of the stuff bought are for me too!



選顏色簡單，她愛紫色。挑樣式時倒是花了不少精神，因為看不到真人，怕尺寸抓不準，一開始就決定只考慮前面開襟的背心，波雷若小外套之類的。樣式不能太前衛或花俏 (姑姑家是很保守的)，也不能太可愛 (年紀不合)，也不能太老氣 (人家還是待嫁小姐啦)，要可以搭配襯衫的 (她上班都穿襯衫)，也希望可以配合週末較休閒的服飾... 哇！ 一整個傷腦筋！ 後來翻書看到這款，想起瑪格也做了一件，蠻好看的，而且附和上述條件... 好啦，就是你啦！

Picking a color was easy, she loves purple. But deciding on a style took us some thinking. Since we can't see her and not sure about her exact size, we decided to only consider open-front type of vests, shrugs, or boleros. It must not be too fancy or flirty (my aunt's family is very conservative), not too cute (she is not a teenager any more), not too old-lady like (she is still young), something that goes well with a button-down shirt (it's all she wears to work), and also good for weekend casual wear with a tee and jeans... I flipped through all my books, and came across this bolero vest. Margaret also made one and it looks quite nice, it also meets all of our considerations... therefore, this is it!



這件不難，就是織兩個半圓前片時要一直盯著織圖，一直算針數。織好後我一直覺得脥邊接縫的地方怪怪的，不是成一直線，上面近腋下的地方整個是歪的，檢查過了沒織錯啊！還有袖口緣邊按照織圖針數挑針後覺得很緊，整個往裡縮。一度考慮要拆掉重來，想想還是先定型再說，還好定型後這些問題都沒有了，不過因為定型時拉的厲害，衣身硬是多長了4公分，幸好這個長度看起來也還可以啦。

This bolero vest was not difficult to make, I just had to really concentrate when I made the fronts. The pattern is schematics with stitches in detail illustrations. I had to keep looking at the chart, and count the stitches. After I was done, I felt the side seams, especially the part closest to underarm, were a bit crooked. I double checked the chart to make sure I did not make a mistake, and anything was done according to the chart. And the edging short stitches along the armholes were too tight. I thought about ripping out these parts and redo them, but decided to block it first and hoped for the best. Good thing all these are no longer quite visible after the blocking. But the vest also grew another 1 1/2" longer after blocking, since I really pulled it hard to make sure the crooked seams got straightened and the lace scallop edging opened up.



如果重來的話，我想會特別注意一下前片半圓起點處，應該是要成直線的。袖口緣邊挑針應以自己手勁為準，多挑幾針，只要總針數是偶數就可以了。等我其他禮物準備好，這件背心就要飄洋過海去見主人啦！

If I could start over, I would pay special attention to the starting rows of the front pieces to make sure the side seam is straight. I would pick up more stitches for the armhole edging. It really should be based on my tension, I shouldn't have strictly followed what the pattern suggests. As long as the total number of stitches is an even number it would be okay. I still have some other gift items to prepare, once they are set, this bolero vest will be flying overseas to its owner!

What's Next?

紫紅色半圓背心已經鉤好了，現在正在定型中，該準備下一個 project 啦！

I finished the Purple Crochet Bolero Vest, it is now drying on the blocking board. So, what am I going to work on next?



本來想按照清單開始打這件想了很久的斜線麻花背心，把準備好的線拿出來試打織片，可是這線太細了，打起來織片太ㄌㄤ，換小一號針的話織圖針目就要重算 (實在有點懶的算...) 當初買這個線就是打算拿來織這件背心，線是50% 美麗諾羊毛，50% 麻，摸起來是有點硬 (一般麻料的線都是有點硬，不太好織，不過織好下水過後會好很多)，顏色我好喜歡呢，覺得很適合這件背心說... 看來還是要換線，這個用 DK weight (密度約 22針 = 10cm) 的線應該會比較剛好，我想用美麗諾羊毛和棉或絲(或竹纖維)混紡的線來織，純棉的樣子容易"走鐘"，可是我庫存裡大部分 DK weight 的都是純棉的... (那沒事純棉的線買那麼多幹什麼啊？...)

I thought maybe I should stick to my queue and start this Diagonal Cable Sleeveless Top that I have had my eyes on for a long long time. I was planning to use Louet Sales MerLin (50% merino and 50% linen) for it. As it turned out, the yarn is too fine, the stitches on the gauge swatch (I didn't even want to finish the swatch) were too loose. Well, I could use a smaller size needle, but then I'll have to recalculate all the stitch count. With all those cables, I just don't feel like doing it. So, I guess I'll need to switch yarn. That's too bad, I bought this MerLin specifically with this top in mind, and I love this color! It is perfect for this design. I guess a DK weight yarn would be more suitable, in a merino blend with either cotton or silk (or bamboo would be nice too.) Pure cotton tends to lose its shape after a while, but somehow most of the DK weight yarns in my stash are cotton... (then why did I buy so many cotton yarns?...)



既然想不到適合的線，那就先擺著吧。往下看我的清單裡，再來已經有線的就是 Rusted Root 啦！昨晚試了一下織片，下了水現在還在等它乾，不過看起來應該可以，希望晚上就能開打啦！

Well, since I couldn't think of anything suitable for the cable top, I'd move on to the next one in my queue, which is Rusted Root. The yarn has been sitting in my stash for a long time. I finished the gauge swatch last night, it is still drying on the blocking board, but it looks promising. Hopefully I can cast on tonight!

嗯，還有 Joey 那邊還欠著一件鳳梨花對稱上衣，在想去跟柳屋訂原織圖用的線，這樣我就不用傷腦筋找線啦！

Hmmm... there's also the Crochet Pineapple Boatneck Top (#2) from Joey's August Crochet-Along projects... I have been thinking maybe I'll try ordering the yarn called for in the pattern from Yanagiya, then I won't have to worry if my yarn choices won't work!

Seascape Stole TKA#28 海景披肩

線材: Rowan Kidsilk Night (67% 超柔毛海, 18% 真絲, 10% 聚酯纖維，5% 尼龍), 色號#612 粉紫 - 2.5 球 (227yd [208m] / 25g)
圖樣: Knitty 2008 夏季刊
針號: 美制4號 3.5mm 輪針
尺寸: 寬 38 cm/15 英吋, 長 160 cm/63 英吋
製作日期: 2008/07/28 - 2008/08/25

Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Night (67% super kid mohair, 18% silk, 10% polyester, 5% nylon), color #612 Fountain - 2.5 balls (227yd [208m] / 25g)
Pattern: Knitty Summer 2008
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace US size 4 (3.5mm) / 32" (80cm)
Size: 15" x 63"
Duration: 2008/07/28 - 2008/08/25



星期一晚上就收針完工了，一直到星期三下午才有空把它定型。這次定型沒下水，用鋼條(blocking wires)撐開釘住後，噴濕等它風乾。這兩天天氣超熱，本來以為可能隔天才會乾，結果星期三晚上去摸已經乾了。昨天幫它拍照，這麼長一條實在很難拍全景，折起來拍還比較好看。沒時間，就不拍真人照了，這麼美的披肩我還是不要進去破壞畫面的好 (明明就是懶...)

I finished it on Monday night, but had to wait till Wednesday afternoon for a block of free time to block it. This time I just used the blocking wires to open it up, sprayed it with water, and waited for it to dry. It has been really hot these last couple days. I had thought that it would take till the following day to dry, but it was ready by Wednesday night. Yesterday was the photo shoot. It was difficult to get a full shot of the stole, it being so long. And I actually like it folded better, the color looked more saturated this way. No modeling this time though - I did not have the time, plus I was too lazy...



這次偷懶沒先打密度織片，直接開工，想説這種披肩尺寸密度不用抓的太準也沒關係。打完圖B 6次重複後，試披一下再加上圖C的長度，就算定型時再拉一拉，好像還是不太夠咧... 以為已經快織完了説... 只好圖B再加一次重複。還好，雖然天氣熱，這條毛海打起來沒有我想像中的難以忍受，大部分是晚上邊看奧運邊打的，可是因為打圖B要很專心盯著圖表打，很多時候奧運是用"聽"的。不過現在有DVR/instant replay很方便，遇到精彩好看的馬上倒回去重看，也算是節省時間。

I was also too lazy to work a gauge swatch before I cast on, since sizing is really not that critical for a stole. After I finished 6 repeats of chart B, I tried it on. Anticipated the length of chart C plus possible growth during blocking, it still seemed a bit too short. And I thought I was so close to the finish line... So I added one more repeat of chart B. I thought working with mohair in this hot summer weather would be unbearable, but it actually turned out okay. I knitted most of this stole during night time, while the Olympic games were on. But working chart B requires focus, I needed to constantly look at the chart. And so most of the time, I "listened" to the broadcast. And it's good that we have DVR/instant replay, I could always rewind if there was something good and exciting on the program.



這條披肩我準備了三球線，第三球只用了不到一半。希望還夠用來打一條小領巾，加上珠珠一定很美，或是加一條美麗諾線來打帽子不知道夠不夠？

I prepared three balls of yarn for this stole, the 3rd ball has a little more than half left. I was thinking maybe I can use it for a short scarf, it would be gorgeous with beads. Or maybe I can pair it with a merino yarn, would it be enough for a hat perhaps?

Seascape Stole Progress 海景披肩進度報告

耶！終於織到一半了。照片裡是剛織完圖B第三次重複，雖然皺皺的，但是可以清楚看出花樣。

Yeah! Finally I am at the half point mark. I just finished 3rd repeats of chart B. It's a bit wrinkly, but you can clearly see the patterns.



用線是Rowan Kidsilk Night，其實大約兩年前就買了這個顏色，那時只買了一球，想拿來打 Branching Out，後來一直讓別的 projects 插隊，結果就放到現在。當初一看到海景時，就想用 Kidsilk Haze 來做，去了店裡看，偏偏我想要的顏色不是沒有就是不夠。在店裡還看到銀灰色的 Kidsilk Night，也好喜歡，可惜只剩下一球，也不夠。於是想到我庫存裡的紫色，可是已經買了兩年，還能補到同缸號的嗎？心裡想覺得不可能，但是還是找了時間去當初買線的那家店。嘻嘻，還真的有，而且就剩兩球，這是冥冥之中註定的嗎？

I am knitting with Rowan Kidsilk Night. I bought this lovely lavender color about two years ago, intended to make Branching Out scarf so I only bought 1 ball. Then other projects happened, and this has been sitting in my stash since. When I first saw Seascape, I wanted to use Kidsilk Haze. I went to the stores, and they either didn't have the colors I wanted or didn't have enough. I also saw a gorgeous silver gray Kidsilk Night (totally my color), but there's only one ball left. And then I remembered this lavender ball in my stash. Totally thought that it was impossible to get more of the same dye lot, I made a trip anyway to the store where I bought the original ball. And to my luck, they still had it, and only two balls left. Is this meant to be all along?



昨天受不了了，跑去敗了 Addi Turbo Lace Needles 回來。哇！真的好用，原先用 Regular Addi Turbo 來織，遇到 S2KP, M1L, M1R 時，就要左拉右扯把針目弄大一點，還要戳好幾次才能把針頭戳進去，織的很慢，弄得我快抓狂。現在用 lace needles 只要一次就完成，快多了。

Yesterday, I gave in and bought the Addi Turbo Lace Needles. And WOW! What a difference! With the regular Addi, I had to tug at the adjacent stitches and yarn strands to insert the needle when I need to make a S2KP, M1L, or M1R. And it would take several tries before I could successfully insert the needle. Now with the lace needle, I can insert the needle at the first attempt. I still need to tug at the stitches at some tight spots, but much much less frequently, and so I am making progress a bit faster too.

左邊金黃色的是 Addi Lace, 右邊銀色的是 regular Addi。 Lace 針頭比較尖。

On the left is the yellow Addi Lace, on the right is the regular Addi. The Lace is bit pointier.

Anthropologie-inspired Chunky Knit Shrug 粗編小外套

線材: Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton (100% 有機棉), 色號#83 卡其 - 1.6 綑 及 色號#85 卡其摻白 - 1.6 綑 (150yd [137m] / 100g)
圖樣: 自己矇的 :D
針號: 美制11號 8.0mm 輪針，美制10.5號 6.5mm 輪針
尺寸: 胸圍 88 cm (34.5 英吋), 身長 38 cm (15 英吋)
製作日期: 2008/07/26 - 2008/08/01

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton (100% organic cotton), color #83 Sage - 1.6 skeins and color #85 Willow - 1.6 skeins (150yd [137m] / 100g)
Pattern: I figured it out... see below
Needles: Addi Turbo US size 11 (8.0mm)/29"(74cm) circular and US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) circulars
Size: Chest circumference 34.5", length 15"
Duration: 2008/07/26 - 2008/08/01

織這件的過程真的是很好玩呢，不久前在網路上亂逛時看到 Anthropologie 這件粗編小外套 (以下照片這一件，這幾天回去他們網站看已經沒了)

Well, this was really a fun project. Several weeks ago I was browsing Anthropologie's website and came across this Chunky Knit Shrug (they just took it off the site a few days ago, but here's what it looks like.)



看一看覺得，一件小小壓克力毛線衣要美金68元？ :O 太貴了吧？ 應該可以用更好的線材來自己做一件。 這件看起來作法跟由上往下拉克蘭外套的織法類似，只是要用粗線。試了密度後就開打了，邊打邊試穿來決定如何進行下去。完成後覺得還不錯咧！我自己覺得很滿意，跟我原先想的一樣。以前不喜歡粗線，現在覺得織來真的是又簡單又快，頗有成就感的。不過這件織到快完了才發現它跟網路上另一件同是 Anthropologie 的小外套織法很像(他們好像每一季都會推出類似樣式...) 不同處在於我在腋下脅間有加針，穿起來感覺比較像cardigan而不是shrug.

And I thought - $68 for an acrylic sweater? I can do better than that. After all, the construction looked like the Top-Down Raglan Cardi, in super chunky yarns. So I cast on, and just sort of figuring it out as I knit along. And I think it turned out pretty well, exactly what I had in mind. It was super easy and super fast. I think I am in love with chunky knits now... :) I realized toward the end of finishing it, that it is very similar to the Anthropologie-inspired Capelet (Anthropologie seems to come out with these similar designs every season...) The difference is that I added stitches to the underarm so it would wear more like a cardi, rather than a shrug.



本來想找個和原設計一樣的白玫瑰釦子，可惜這附近的店裡都沒有。就自己用Rowan 4-Ply Cotton 鉤了一朵花縫上去，裡面再縫上勾扣。可是好像不夠牢，扣起來前面還是開開的。我想穿幾次看看，再決定要不要改。

I tried looking for a white rose button, just like the Anthropologie sweater, with no luck. So I crocheted one using Rowan 4-Ply Cotton and sewed it on. For the closure, I used hook and eye. But I guess these are not strong enough, the fronts are still kind of open even with the hook in its place. I think I'll give it a few wears and decide if I need to come up with different ways of doing it.



這組線真的是超柔軟的，跟我以前買過的棉線完全不一樣。這線是在 Knitting Arts 關門前幾個星期買的 (嗚... 這是我最愛的一家毛線店呢...) 線還剩下不少 - 一綑是100 g, 卡其色還剩49 g, 卡其掺白那綑還剩48 g。 不知道能拿來做什麼？ 要快點決定，因為這顏色好像快要不賣了。

This Blue Sky Alpacas organic cotton is wonderfully soft, unlike any of the other cotton yarns I have. I picked it up just a few weeks before Knitting Arts closed their doors (sob... one of my favorite LYS...) There are still quite a bit left - at 100 g per skein, the sage has 49 g left and the willow has 48 g left. What can I make with these? Must decide soon, I think these two colors are being discontinued.



Pattern

The entire sweater is knit with two strands of yarn (one in sage color, one in willow color) held together.

Gauge: 10 sts & 14 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch using US size 11 (8.0 mm) needles

Directions

1. CO 41 sts.
2. (RS): K3, work (p, k) 1x1 rib to last 4 sts; p, k3.
3. (WS): P3, work (k, p) 1x1 rib to last 4 sts; k, p3.
   
4. Repeat last 2 rows 4 more times or when it measures about 3" from CO. On the last row, place markers as follows: P3, (k, p) twice, pm, k, pm, (p, k) twice, p, pm, k, pm, (p, k) 6 times, p, pm, k, pm, (p, k) twice, p, pm, k, pm, (p, k) twice, p3.
5. Next row (RS): There are 4 pairs of markers on the needles. For each pair, knit to the first marker, yo, slip marker, knit the stitch between markers, slip the 2nd marker, yo; knit the remaining stitches.
6. Next row (WS): K3, purl to last 3 sts; k3. Slip all markers.
7. Repeat last 2 rows 10 more times. Total: 129 sts.
8. Knit up to the 2nd marker, remove marker, place next 27 sts till next marker on scrap yarn or stitch holder, remove marker, CO 6 sts on the needles, continue to knit through the back (the next 37 sts), remove marker, place the next 27 sts till next marker on holder, remove marker, CO 6 sts on the needles, continue to knit the next 19 sts to the end of the row. (Remove all markers as working across the row)
   
9. Next row (WS): K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3. (Total: 87 sts)
10. Continue to knit all on RS, (k3, purl to last 3 sts, k3) on WS, for 16 rows.
11. (RS): K3, work (p, k) 1x1 rib to last 3 sts, k3.
12. (WS): P3, work (k, p) 1x1 rib to last 3 sts, p3.
13. Repeat the last 2 rows 1 more time. Work 1 more RS row.
14. Bind off all sts.
    
15. Sleeve: Move stitches from scrap yarn or stitch holder evenly onto US size 11 (8.0mm) double-pointed needles or two circular needles, pick up 5 sts from the underarm where 6 sts were cast on for the body. Place marker to mark the beginning of a round.
16. Start knitting in the round for two rounds.
17. Change to US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles, work (k, p) 1x1 rib for 4 rounds. Bind off.
18. Work the other sleeve the same way.
19. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

後記： 這些是我的筆記，邊織邊寫的，雖然重新謄過，可是如果那裡看起來不太對的話，請留言哦！

Note: These are my notes. I tried to write down all the details as I worked along. If something doesn't seem right, drop a comment and I'll look into it. Thanks!

Long Lacy Vest 長蕾絲背心

線材: Filatura di Crosa Brilla (58% 嫘縈, 42% 棉), 色號#311 黑 - 8 球 (120yd [110m] / 50g)
圖樣: 柳屋/樂天市場免費圖樣
針號: 可樂 6/0 3.5 mm 鉤針(織主體下半與裙緣編)，可樂 5/0 3.0 mm 鉤針(織主體上半與袖緣編)
尺寸: 胸圍 88 cm
製作日期: 2008/07/13 - 2008/07/24

Yarn: Filatura di Crosa Brilla (58% viscose, 42% cotton), color #311 Black - 8 balls (120yd [110m] / 50g)
Pattern: Free pattern from Yanagiya's Weekly Newsletters
Hooks: Clover 6/0 3.5 mm crochet hook (for bottom 1/3 of the main body and hem ruffles), Clover 5/0 3.0 mm crochet hook (for top 2/3 of the main body, v-neck ruffles, and sleeve edging)
Size: Chest circumference 34 5/8"
Duration: 2008/07/13 - 2008/07/24



終於完成啦！訂閱柳屋/樂天市場的newsletter以來，這是唯一一件非常非常想織的。如果記得沒錯，這應該是去年十一月送出來的圖樣。也就是因為偶而有這種好康的圖樣，我才會繼續訂這newsletter，要不然裡面都是日文，商品也不寄美國，訂了也沒啥意思。哎，他們如果願意寄國外就好了，有些日本毛線真的是好美唷！

It's finally done! This is the only one that I have very very much wanted to make ever since I started subscribing to Yanagiya's weekly newsletters. Every week they will send three free patterns for knitting or crochet, with a bunch of other links and promotional information on yarn and other crafty items. This one I believe was from last November. And it is for these wonderful freebies that I continue to subscribe to the newsletters. Otherwise the newsletters would have been totally useless since they are all in Japanese, and they don't ship outside of Japan even if I wanted to buy yarns. Oh, how I wish they would ship to US, cause some of those yarns are so yummy!

原圖樣照片，不錯看吧？！
Original pattern photo, pretty cute, huh?!


這件嘉莉也有做喔！高手就是高手，她的看起來好工整好美。我覺得我用的線可能太重了，織好時尺寸與織圖一樣，穿起來卻拉的好長。雖然可以用腰帶紮一下，可是這樣腰間就有一大坨，加了一圈輪胎，看起來很胖... 嗯，可能用個寬腰帶效果比較好... 哈哈，也許重點是，這件衣服要瘦人來穿才好看... :( 哎，該繼續努力減肥了...

Kelly also made this top. She did such a great job, hers looked so much better than mine. I think Brilla may be a bit too heavy for this design. When I first finished this top, the size was exactly the same as the pattern, which is perfect. But as I wear it, it drapes and stretches, and it becomes too long. I did make and use the belt as called for in the pattern, but it just creates more bulk around the waist. To make it work, I think I need a wide belt, maybe even one of those kimono-sash type of belt, to define the waist. Or maybe the point is, I should continue to work hard and loose some weight, hahaha...

No Wool in July

After struggling for a few weeks, I gave up. It was just too hot to be working with wool. So, as much as I would like to finish the Silver Belle Cardigan, I decided to put it on hold for a while. And I was so close to the finish line too. Just a few more straight lines of cables and button panels, and I will be done. But I just couldn't take it any more. Working with wool in 90 degrees weather, with no air conditioning, is just inhumane.

和 Silver Belle Cardigan 努力了幾星期後，還是決定暫停一下。天氣實在是太熱，在這種天氣下織羊毛線簡直是虐待。我已經快織完了說... 再幾條麻花、前襟釦洞，就好了呢。可是我受不了啦，編織應該是休閒調劑身心的，織到這麼受罪就不值得了。

Pictured below is the "skirt" of the cardigan, and one of the sleeves and body. The other sleeve is also done. I plan to pick it up again when the weather cooperates.

照片裡左邊的是衣身下半部像“裙子”的部分，右邊的是袖子和衣身的一部分。另一隻袖子也織好了。打算天氣稍涼一點再來繼續進行。



This is what I have been working on this past week. A long, lacy vest, with a wide v-neck and lacy ruffles. It is going well, and I should be able to finish it in the next couple days.

這一個星期來都在玩鉤針，這個是一件長(也沒有很長啦)背心，洞洞很大也很多，前面開大V領，V領和下擺有波浪花邊。進行的蠻順利地，應該再兩天可以完成。

Cobblestone Pullover

線材: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed (85% 羊毛, 10% 真絲, 5% 開絲米爾), 色號#120 灰 - 12.8 球 (104yd [95m] / 50g)
圖樣: Interweave Knits 雜誌 2007 秋季刊
針號: 美制7號 4.5mm 輪針
尺寸: 胸圍 122 cm/48 英吋, 身長 74 cm/29 英吋
製作日期: 2008/05/08 - 2008/06/24

Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed (85% wool, 10% silk, 5% cashmere), color #120 Ash - 12.8 balls (104yd [95m] / 50g)
Pattern: Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Needles: Addi Turbo US size 7 (4.5mm) / various length circulars
Size: Chest circumference 48", length 29"
Duration: 2008/05/08 - 2008/06/24

當初在雜誌上看到這件毛衣時，沒太大的感覺，翻一翻就過去了。直到偶然間看到 Tiennie 的成品 (一，二)，驚為天人，馬上加入待織清單中。這件是由下往上輪編，衣身織到胸下時暫停改織袖子，然後全部連起來織胸口、肩膀、領口，一氣呵成，唯一需要縫合的只有腋下衣身和袖子的接合處。看似簡單，抓密度卻是花了我不少精神。從沒織過這種較粗而且粗細不均的毛線，這幾年織的都是偏細線，試織片時也沒多想，織了一塊12公分見方的織片，量了密度，重新算了針數就動工了。

When I first saw this sweater on the magazine, it didn't do anything for me. Then I saw Tiennie's gorgeous FOs (1, 2), I added it to my to-knit list right away. This sweater is knit from bottom up in circular fashion, stops at the chest to knit the sleeves, and then connect the body to the sleeves and continue to knit the yoke. The only seaming is at the underarm. The construction is simple, but I did struggle with the gauge. Having worked with mostly DK weight yarn, this is my first time knitting with aran weight and tweedy yarn. As usual, I knitted a swatch, measured for gauge, recalculated the stitch counts, and cast on.



因為我的密度和織圖不一樣，所有針數都重新算過。再加上我要的尺寸﹝胸圍約46英吋﹞在原織圖上剛好是兩個size之間，所以織圖只是拿來做參考。織了約5英吋長時發現不對勁了，怎麼...好大喔！針數多，針目全擠在輪針上量不準，把一半的針目挪到別線上攤平來量，量一量有52英吋咧！還好發現的不晚，拆了重來。這次依照所有針數和衣片寬度來算密度，重新開打。不過，我一直想不透為什麼第一次尺寸會差這麼多，我重新算過後，密度從17變成16.67，織起來也不應該差那麼多啊！

Since my gauge was different from the pattern, I had to recalculate all the stitch counts. Plus the size I want (chest circumference 46") falls between the 2nd and 3rd sizes from the pattern, I couldn't follow the pattern as is. After about 5" into the body, I stopped because it just looked so big. I couldn't get an accurate measurement with all the stitches scrunched together on the circular needles. So I moved about half of the stitches to waste yarn, flatten it out and measured - and it was a good thing that I stopped to measure, the circumference was 52"! I frogged the whole thing and started over. This time I recalculated based on the total number of stitches and the circumference of the sweater. But I still don't quite understand why my first attempt was off by so much, the gauge went from 17 to 16.67, it is different, but shouldn't be that big a deal.

重新開打後衣身進行順利，尺寸抓在45.5英吋，剛剛好。袖子織呀織的，越織越覺得奇怪，怎麼袖口看起來好大？織了約4吋多長後，不再多想，拆了重算重打。一件看起來很簡單的毛衣，怎會想到有這麼多曲折？

After I restarted, it was smooth sailing through the main body. The circumference remained a perfect 45.5". The trouble came again when I started the first sleeve. Four inches into the first sleeve, I had to stop and re-evaluate. The sleeve looked big again, and it measured big. Not sure why my gauge failed me again, I frogged the sleeve, recalculated based on my latest sleeve gauge, and restarted. Why does something seemed so simple be so difficult to grasp?



開打時五月初的灣區還是早晚微涼，是打毛線的天氣。誰知道兩三個星期後天氣暴熱，我邊織毛線邊流汗，旁邊電扇猛吹。現在油價貴，什麼都漲價，還是省一點盡量不開冷氣。是沒想到這件毛衣會花這麼多時間，也沒想到天氣熱的這麼快，實在不想大熱天抱著一堆羊毛，可是我也知道自己的惰性，這件不趁勢完成的話，大概會變成未成品堆在衣櫥裡不見天日。

When I first cast on this sweater in early May, it was still cool in the mornings and evenings. Still good weather for knitting wool. But the weather took a dramatic turn after a few weeks. While working on this sweater, I was sweating through 80-90 degree weather, with a fan directly blowing at me. With the oil prices sky high, and the prices of everything going up, I try to conserve and not indulge in air conditioning when possible. I just didn't anticipate having so many problems with this sweater, that it would take so long, and the weather would heat up so quickly. I really hated knitting wool in this kind of weather. But I also knew if I put it aside, it would probably remain an UFO for a long long time.

就這樣，汗流浹背地把它完成了。下水洗香香，攤平等它乾。好不容易乾了，拿下來照相，拿尺一量，@#$&%！怎麼變寬了？原本完美的45.5吋變成48吋，奇怪的是只有衣身變寬，袖子沒變寬，衣身也拉長了。唉，我沒力氣重來了，至少不是現在。織了幾年毛線，這是第一件織給老公的衣服，想說樣子簡單好看，沒想到完全失敗，衣身太胖，袖子看起來瘦的不成比例。

And so, I finished it, after too many scorching hot afternoons. After a good soaking bath, I laid it flat to dry. And now it's picture time, I took out the ruler and measured again, @#$&%！ It went from the perfect 45.5" to the oh-too-big 48"! What happened? The strange thing is, the main body became wider and longer, but the sleeves were okay. Sigh... I don't want to reknit it again, at least not now. I have been knitting for four years now, this is the first sweater for my husband. I thought this would be a quick and easy knit, given that I have tackled more difficult projects, never thought that this would be a failure. The body is too wide, makes the perfect sleeves look too skinny almost.



檢討結果，我想失敗原因如下：

1. 身片和袖子密度不同也許是因為織的方式不同，身片是用一隻80cm輪針輪編，袖子是用30cm和60cm兩隻輪針來織，用兩隻輪針時可能不自覺地抓的較緊，所以比較密？

2. 身片變寬變長也許是因為下水時被整件衣服的重量拉的變形？試織片時也有下水定型，不過那麼小一片是不可能因重變形的。從水裡拿出來時已經很小心了，可是將近13球羊毛線泡了水後的重量不容輕視，要完全沒有拉到是非常困難的。也許下次應該噴濕定型就好？

3. 用粗線時試織片應該織大塊一點，因為算密度時些微差距都會影響很大。

Looking back, I think my problems were:

1. The main body and the sleeves were knit in different fashions, sort of. They were all knit in the round, I used a 32" circular for the main body, and used a 12" and a 24" (two circular needles) for the sleeves. I think I tend to pull the yarn tighter when working two circular needles and maybe that's why the tension on the sleeves is tighter?

2. The sweater might have been pulled out of shape as I took it out of the water? I also wet blocked my test swatch, but obviously weight doesn't play a factor in a 4.5" square swatch. I was being really careful taking the sweater out of the water, but with nearly 13 balls of soaked wool, it was very difficult not to pull it at all. Maybe next time I should just spray it instead of soak it?

3. I should have made a larger swatch. With a heavier yarn, every bit of differences counts.

以前覺得這種輪編一氣呵成的衣服很讚，縫合的地方少，省工省時。織這件衣服時才體會到，把整件衣服抱在腿上織實在不容易，尤其是這麼大件又重的衣服，在家裡走來走去帶著這個project變得累贅，更不可能帶出門去織了。輪編時連換個方向都要整件提起來，重新擺好，才能繼續。

I used to love this kind of construction, knitting in the round with minimal sewing, easy and simple. Now I realized how cumbersome it could be, when the entire garment sat on my lap, it was heavy and difficult to maneuver. It was cumbersome to carry around the house, impossible for on-the-go car-knitting. I had to lift up the entire sweater and repositioned to continue knitting in the round for each turn.

這組線在織時被我罵翻了，因為夾雜在線中的雜草﹝？﹞太多了，而且會扎人，只好用鑷子一根一根的拔，大熱天趕工已經急躁不已，還要一直停下來“拔草”，要不是看在它價格不菲而且成份很好，當場就想淘汰它。不過下水後變得柔軟，觸感更好，倒是意想不到的。

The yarn was also quite annoying, with so many twigs (?) embedded in the yarn strand. I had to stop so often and used a tweezer to pull out these twigs. If they were poking at me while I knit, they would be poking at my husband when he wears the sweater, and that's not a good thing. I thought about switching yarn, but given the price of these guys and the fact that I really do love the compositions (wool, silk, and cashmere), I decided to stick with it. The good thing is the yarn became softer and easy to the touch after a good soak, it really is very nice, once all the twigs are gone.

拔出來的“雜草”
The "twigs" pulled from the yarn